Op-Ed: Julie Fedorchak: Governor Doug Burgum is the right leader to usher in a new era of American energy dominance

This isn’t just about North Dakota; it’s about America...

As a lifelong North Dakotan, I am proud of our state’s history that is grounded in resilience, innovation, and grit. Ours is a story about harnessing our abundant natural resources while protecting our land for future generations. 

This is the approach Americans want in all their leaders, and it is the record of my governor, Doug Burgum, who is President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Chairman of the National Energy Council.

This moment is historic. With President Trump’s bold vision and with Burgum at the helm of the Department of the Interior and the newly formed National Energy Council, we stand at the threshold of a new era of energy policy — one that prioritizes American strength, innovation, and high standards.

Doug Burgum’s leadership in North Dakota, supported by our legislators and other state officials, proves that we can balance energy development with environmental stewardship. We can navigate the complex intersection of policy, technology, and community needs and deliver safe, orderly, and environmentally sound development of energy resources. Under Burgum’s leadership, North Dakota became a national model for responsible energy production, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation.

His appointment as Chairman of the National Energy Council signals a bold vision for America’s energy future. This council will unite federal agencies to maximize energy production, streamline permitting, increase efficiency, and drive innovation. It’s a crucial step toward achieving energy dominance, reducing costs for American families, strengthening our economy, and increasing security at home and abroad. 

North Dakotans know better than most the stakes of national energy policy. Energy is not just an industry here; it’s the driver of our economy. More than half of our state revenues come from energy production, and nearly 60,000 jobs depend on it. What’s more, energy fuels our number one industry: agriculture. 

Unfortunately, misguided policies over the past several years have put those jobs — and our national security — at risk. Overregulation and unrealistic mandates have weakened our energy infrastructure and have driven up costs for families already grappling with inflation.

President Trump and Gov. Burgum’s leadership will help reverse this trend. They understand energy policy must be grounded in science, engineering, and economics — not in ideology. By fostering innovation over regulation, we can reduce emissions while strengthening our energy grid and creating jobs.

Energy policy is about more than economics; it’s about national security. The Biden administration’s policies have left our grid vulnerable, with two-thirds of the country at risk of power shortages. In a nation blessed with unparalleled energy resources, Americans should never be at risk of not having enough power.  

President Trump and Governor Doug Burgum understand that energy dominance goes beyond keeping the lights on. It’s about using our resources strategically to strengthen alliances and weaken adversaries. Selling American energy to our allies ensures they are not beholden to nations that do not share our values. It’s a vision that combines economic strength with moral leadership.

As a native North Dakotan, I take immense pride in seeing our state’s leadership recognized on the national stage. Burgum’s nomination builds on a legacy of North Dakota leaders who have brought Midwestern values and common-sense solutions to Washington, D.C. As Congresswoman-elect for North Dakota, I look forward to continuing to work with Burgum on these solutions in our nation’s capital.

This isn’t just about North Dakota; it’s about America. The policies Burgum will shape as Interior Secretary and as National Energy Council Chairman will impact every American, from farmers and ranchers to urban families struggling with rising energy bills.

The challenges we face — rising energy costs, grid vulnerabilities, and geopolitical tensions — demand bold leadership. Doug Burgum is the right person for this moment. With President Trump and Governor Doug Burgum, we can achieve what once seemed impossible: energy policies that work for all Americans, a cleaner and safer world, and a brighter future for generations to come.

Julie Fedorchak is the incoming Congresswoman from North Dakota’s at-large district.